A soldier in uniform holding an american flag.

 

Burial flags to honor Veterans 

 

A United States flag to drape on a casket (or coffin) or place with an urn in honor of the military service of a Veteran. May be eligible if you’re the next of kin or a close friend of the Veteran and one of the descriptions below qualify the veteran being funeralized:

  • They served in wartime, or
  • They died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941, or
  • They served after January 31, 1955, or
  • They served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least 1 enlistment, or because of a disability that was caused—or made worse—by their active military service.
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Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag?

Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it. For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.


How Can You Apply?

You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes. You may get a flag at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. Generally, the funeral director will help you obtain the flag.


Can a Burial Flag Be Replaced?

The law allows us to issue one flag for a veteran’s funeral. We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen. However, some veterans’ organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.